Russian media: Reuters reports that the US is preparing forward bases for a military operation in Venezuela

Moscow, November 2 -- RIA Novosti

According to Reuters, citing satellite images it has reviewed, the United States is preparing forward bases for a possible military operation in Venezuela.

The report states: "The US is upgrading a long-abandoned Cold War-era naval base located in the Caribbean Sea... This indicates that the US is preparing for long-term operations that could support potential actions within Venezuela."

This refers to construction work that began in September at the Roosevelt Roads Naval Base in Puerto Rico. Workers have started clearing and resurfacing the taxiways leading to the runway.

Additionally, the US is expanding civil airport infrastructure on Puerto Rico and on the island of Saint Croix, which belongs to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Tensions between the US and Venezuela escalate

In recent weeks, the US has repeatedly used armed forces to sink speedboats allegedly transporting drugs in the Caribbean Sea. According to US authorities, such operations aim to combat transnational crime and drug trafficking.

This move has significantly worsened relations between Caracas and Washington. The White House has authorized the CIA to conduct secret operations in the Republic (Venezuela) to destabilize the government of Nicolas Maduro. Meanwhile, US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a $50 million reward for information that helps arrest Maduro. The US claims that the Venezuelan president "uses terrorist organizations to transport drugs into the US."

On Friday, Newsweek cited satellite images reporting that the US amphibious assault ship "Iwo Jima" and its escort vessels were located about 200 kilometers from La Orchila Island. This island hosts one of Venezuela's key air force bases and radar facilities. At the same time, the Miami Herald reported that the US might strike targets within Venezuela in the near future.

When commenting on these reports, Donald Trump stated that the US military has no plans to attack Venezuela. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the information spread by the media is false.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847723743574028/

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